We have two remarkable instances of Paul's holy zeal for the glory of his Lord: one against a gross sin in the church of Corinth, which brought a scandal upon the holy Gospel of Christ; another against a legal, self-righteous spirit which obtained in the church of Galatia: this depreciated and dishonored the finished work of Christ, and perverted the faith of his members. It is hard to say whether Paul's zeal was strongest against the former or the latter; hence learn that profaneness and spiritual pride are equally contrary to the faith of the Gospel: as a holy faith brings Christ and his salvation into the heart, it easts out the love of sin as well as self-righteous hopes.
Here is a glorious truth for precious faith to fix upon O that, through the Spirit, it may bring joy and peace to our souls. Consider who are said to be "sanctified" here! Those who are separated and set apart by God the Father, according to his electing love, Jude 1; and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, to possess a holy faith in Jesus and a holy life from him.
In what sense has Christ "perfected them for ever?" My dear reader, it is for want of faith in this that we feel so much distress in our consciences, so little love to Christ in our hearts, and enjoy no more peace with God in our souls. Sin causes all this: but Christ has "perfected for ever them who are sanctified:" that is, he has so perfectly freed them from all the charges of law and justice, that there is now no condemnation against them.
How has Christ done this? "By one offering." O the love of Christ in this offering for sinners who deserved it not! O the willingness of Christ in it! "He gave himself for our sins." Gal. 1:4. O the pains and agonies he endured for our salvation! O the glorious efficacy of his offering upon the cross! He made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation and satisfaction for our sins: thus he hath once for all and for ever satisfied the justice of God, appeased his wrath, and perfectly reconciled his holiness to us.
But, how is the comfort of this enjoyed? By faith. Is this true? Yes, says-Paul, we have the most infallible evidence for its veracity, "Whereof the Holy Ghost is a witness to us." Heb. 10:15. Then, as we value peace of conscience, the hope of heaven, and the love of God, we are bound to honor the Spirit of truth, by faith unfeigned. 1 Tim. 1:5.
*